Prada & Miu Miu outlet in Montevarchi, Tuscany

I arrived in Tuscany last night to spend what I hoped would be three relaxing days under the tuscan sun overlooking the vineyards and olive groves in gorgeous Chianti. Alas, the weather had other ideas and it has been rainy and cloudy since we left Rome. Although the countryside is absolutely beautiful come rain or shine, sitting on a deck chair with a book wasn't really going to happen for me today, so the boy started research winery tours in the region.

What I didn't expect him to announce from his 'winery' research was that there was a Prada/Miu Miu outlet just 30mins away in Montevarchi! And more importantly, how did I not know about this?!

After researching driving directions very carefully (forums were full of stories about getting lost and how hard the factory was to find) we set off through the picturesque winding hills until we came to a ordinary looking town with a giant non-descript factory with the words 'Space' on it. Prada doesn't want to be associated with 'discount' so this factory is branded 'Space' from the cafe to the carry bags.

I took photos from the outside but unfortunately don't have my camera usb with me so I've borrowed this photo off flickr to show you just what the outside of the building looks like!

Once inside I made a bee-line for the shoes as I've been coveting a pair of Miu Miu flats all year. I was pleasantly surprised to find that most of the flats I had been eyeing were actually in stock (thank you shoe god!). I made notes while I was there, and also snuck in some photos on my iPhone as photos are obviously banned (so apologies for the quality). It really was the shoes that made the visit worthwhile, so I didn't take photos of the clothing or handbags.Although there were some nice Miu Miu pea coats if you looked hard...

Below: Miu Miu ballet flats start at €160 for the velvet bow style, €190 for the patent leather flats and €250 for the bejeweled cap toe styles. This equals around 40% off RRP and I purchased the pair on the far right.

Below: Prada flat boots in camel, black patent, grey and plain black were €450

Below: They had lots of Brogues in stock in both patent and normal leather for €230

Below: These Prada camel ankle boots were €350

Below: Miu Miu (Prada also available) patent pointed- toe pumps in an assortment of colours for €250. There were no Miu Miu bags or purses in stock today apart from a few plain totes in well, let's say 'interesting' colours.

After pondering over whether I should buy a classic pair of black or nude patent heels (above), or the nude coloured patent Miu Miu ballet flats (below right), I decided to go for the 'want' pair...a pair that I would never be able to afford at full price and that I've honestly loved since the day I saw them in early 2010 (below left). 

Have you visited any of the designer outlets in Italy? I have read about The Mall just outside of Florence, but think it might be a bit too much temptation for one holiday...